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| MIKE'S HOME PAGE | UPCOMING CONCERTS | MUSIC EVENTS FESTIVALS | GENERAL POPULAR EVENTS | INFO ON THIS SITE |
Music Festivals Concerts Showcases, CD Release Parties, Special Events and more!
Listings are updated throughout the year. TBA means To Be Announced.
Music Events in Michigan. All Listings Are On This Page. scroll down or click shortcuts.
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CONCERT SERIES AND MUSIC SERIES JAM NIGHTS AND OPEN MIC
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HIGHLIGHTS – a SMALL sampling of Current and Upcoming Events
Movement 2013 – Detroit Electronic Music Festival is May 25-27, 2013 (saturday-monday) at Hart Plaza in in Downtown Detroit. details + tickets
Downtown Hoedown Country Music Fest in Detroit is May 31 – June 2, 2013 at Comerica Park. Three-day passes $30 available now. Individual day tickets available March 15th. Put on by WYCD (FM 99.5) details + tickets
Metallica Orion Music and More Festival is June 8-9, 2013 on Belle Isle, Detroit. details + tickets
Michigan Vet Fest Annual Summer Benefit Concert is July 27, 2013 (saturday) at Motor City Eagles (F.O.E. 2265) on 5 Mile just west of Telegraph Rd. Address: 24401 5 Mile Rd, Redford, MI 48239 see map Suggested $5 donation at the door. Lots of bands and musicians, plus raffles prizes giveaways. 100% of the door donations goes to support Veteran's Haven Shelter (in Wayne, MI), WWP the Wounded Warriors Project, and Soldiers Angels.
www.warriors211.com + Michigan Vetfest Facebook Page
The 4th Guinness World Record Assembly Line Concert is September 20 through October 7, 2013, at AJ's Music Cafe in Highland Park, MI. Going for 400 hours of non-stop live music! details on facebook
list of upcoming concerts above is a partial list, some of the highlights.
For Many More Concerts and Tickets, see Mike's → Upcoming Concerts in Metro Detroit and Michigan
Common Ground Music Festival in Lansing is July 8-14, 2013 (monday-sunday). details + tickets
Below is the extensive list for you to check out and experience. Event names, dates, descriptions and links to events full information are supplied. Michigan music entertainment events from week-long multi-venue fests to Michigan Artists CD Release Parties.
January 4-5, 2013 (fri-sat) Annual Anti-Freeze Blues Festival – in Ferndale, MI (1 mile north of Detroit).
At the Magic Bag on Woodward Ave just north of 9 Mile Rd, ph# 248-544-1991. Doors open 7pm. Cost is $25 each day, portion of the proceeds benefits the Detroit Blues Society. tickets, directions, list of performers, click → Info
January 12, 2013 (sat) Jill Jack Birthday Bash – at The Ark in Ann Arbor, MI. tickets $20. info at http://theark.org/ + www.jilljack.com
January 17-19, 2013 (thu-sat) Annual Michigan Music Conference (MMC) – in Grand Rapids, MI (West Michigan).
official website: www.michiganmusicconference.org
Held at DeVos Place and Amway Grand Plaza Hotel. Purpose of the conference is to provide an annual in-service opportunity for the professional development of Michigan music educators and to serve as a coordinating body for collaborative, inter-association initiatives in support of school music in Michigan.
January 25-26, 2013 (fri-sat) 36th Ann Arbor Folk Festival – at Hill Auditorium in Ann Arbor, MI.
official website: theark.org/ann_arbor_folk_festival.html
The Ark's largest annual fundraising event with some of the finest in traditional and contemporary artists. Each night will feature a blend of renowned and up-and-coming performers, providing audiences with the opportunity to hear popular artists working at the top of their field while discovering terrific new talent. All funds raised through the Festival benefit The Ark, Ann Arbor's non-profit home for folk, roots, and ethnic music.
January 25 – February 2, 2013 Ferndale Blues and Music Festival 2013 – in Ferndale, MI (just north of Detroit).
official website: www.ferndalebluesfestival.org
2013 Budlight Ferndale Blues Festival. This Annual Festival averages more than 60 concerts held over nine days at over 20 venues throughout downtown Ferndale. The Ferndale Blues Festival donates 100% of proceeds to local charities.
January 26, 2013 (sat) 10th Annual MetalFest – at Harpo's in Detroit, MI.
official information: www.harposconcerttheatre.com + facebook
20+ bands, 2 stages. All ages, doors open 5pm, advance tickets $10. location: 14238 Harper Rd, Detroit, MI 48213.
February 2, 2013 (sat) Michigan Vet Fest Winter Blast – in Redford, MI, at the Timberwolf Tavern on Plymouth Rd.
info on www.warriors211.com + facebook.
starts 4pm, Lots of music performers, plus raffles prizes giveaways. $5 suggested donation at door. 100% of proceeds will be donated to Veterans Haven, The Wounded Warrior Project, and Soldiers Angels.
February 6-24, 2013 Detroit Symphony Orchestra - DSO Beethoven Festival – in Detroit.
info at: dso.org/beethoven (details & webcasts) + tickets
9 symphonies, 32 Piano Sonatas, 5 Live Webcasts, DSO performs Beethoven's Ninth at Orchestra Hall in Detroit.
February 9, 2013 (sat) 4th Annual Traverse City Winter Microbrew & Music Festival – in Traverse City, MI (Northwest Michigan).
info at: www.porterhouseproductions.com
21+ only. details TBA
February 9, 2013 (sat) Dilla Day Tribute Concert – at The Fillmore Detroit.
info at: thefillmoredetroit.com
18+ over, features Royce da 5’ 9” wsg Talib Kweli and Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Dilla's younger brother John "Illa J" Yancey, several DJs and other performers. Tickets are $20-$50.
February 13-17, 2013 Annual Sphinx Competition and Finals Concert – in Ann Arbor and Detroit.
official web page: www.sphinxmusic.org/programs/competition.html
Competition is open to all Junior High, High School, and College age Black and Latino string players residing in the U.S. The Finals Concert is hosted by the Detroit Symphony at the Max M. Fisher Music Center in Detroit.
February 15-16, 2013 (fri-sat) Cooper's Glen Great Lakes Acoustic Music Festival – in Kalamazoo, MI (West Michigan) at The Radisson.
official website: www.coopersglen.com + www.greatlakesacoustic.org
approx 12 grassroots and acoustic performers, plus workshops and family activities. tickets $25 Advance to $30 at door, weekend $40 to $50.
February 16, 2013 (sat) Jackson Hip Hop Festival – in Jackson, MI (Lower Michigan).
info: www.northernhype.net + facebook
Northern Hype Entertainment is hosting the Jackson Hip Hop Festival at the Michigan Theatre in Jackson, MI. Artist performing include Twista, Jon Connor, Bizarre (D12), Willie the Kid, Blake Selby, and many more! Presale tickets are $25 and general admission is $30 at the door with a $10 VIP upgrade if interested. The event is 12 noon until 2 am. There is a rap battle during the first part of the event followed by a meet and greet with all of the artists. The second half of the event we will be shooting our Blake Selby music video "Never Let go" Ft. Twista followed by our live concerts.
February 22, 2013 (fri) Mr. Chief HomeComing Release Party at The Token Lounge, 28949 Joy Rd, Westland, MI 48185. ages 18 and up. He will Be Rocking with the Gorilla Funk Mob and Dj Dirty White. info on facebook
February 22, 2013 (fri) Detroit Pleasure Society celebrates their debut Album at PJ's Lager House, 1254 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI. $5 Admission.
www.detroitpleasuresociety.com + Detroit Pleasure Society Facebook Page
February 22, 2013 (fri) Mondays Lie celebrates their debut CD at Detroit Pub, 33401 Harper Rd in Clinton Township. 18 & up, no cover.
www.mondayslie.com + Mondays Lie Facebook Page
February 23, 2013 (sat) The Clatter celebrates their debut CD “Name In Lights” at Timberwolf Tavern, 25641 Plymouth Rd in Redford Twp.
www.theclatter.net + Clatter Detroit Facebook Page
February 23, 2013 (sat) Lixx celebrates their debut EP “Light Up Your Soul” at Plymouth Roc, 1020 Ann Arbor Rd, Plymouth, MI.
www.reverbnation.com/lixxdetroit + Lixx Facebook Page
February 23, 2013 (sat) The 26th Erotic Poetry & Music Festival at Corktown Tavern, 1716 Michigan Ave, Detroit, MI 48216. info on facebook
March 1, 2013 (fri) A.S.S. CD Release Party at The Token Lounge, 28949 Joy Rd, Westland, MI 48185. wsg Banned From H.E.L.L. (Black Sabbath Tribute, The Dio Years), Mare Crisium, Dark Avenger & Stone The Herd. info on facebook
March 2, 2013 (sat) William C. Byrd Young Artist Competition Finals (Winds & Brass) – in Flint, MI.
official website: www.byrdartists.com
"Young artists from throughout the world compete for a grand prize of $6,000 plus an opportunity to perform with the Flint Symphony Orchestra.
March 10, 2013 (sun) Rockin' For A Match 2013 (RFAM) – at Detroit Pub in Clinton Twp, MI (north of Detroit).
official websites: www.rockinforamatch.org + facebook
Rockin' for a Match Presents 13 Musical Maidens of Detroit & Bone Marrow Drive. 2PM - 2AM, $5 at the door. “we decided to start our Bone Marrow Drive & Concert Series off with a All Female Review thus Our 13 Detroit Musical Maidens. There will also be The Ladies of the Arts, selling their wares. Join us for a day full of fun and help support a Great Cause… Saving Lives.” location: 33401 Harper Ave, Clinton Township, MI 48035.
March 15-16, 2013 (fri-sat) WO-Stock Music Fest – in Holland, MI (Western Michigan).
official website: wostock.com
Annual event. Two nights, three stages, approx 50 Bands, schedule will be posted. tickets last year were single night $10, two nights $15.
March 20, 2013 (wed) Tilted Axes Detroit 2013 - Music for Mobile Electric Guitars – in Midtown Detroit.
official info: www.peppergreenmedia.com/TAD2013.html
“In celebration of the first day of spring on March 20, Detroit-born NYC composer and performer Patrick Grant will create a procession of over two dozen local musicians that will move its way through Midtown Detroit with stops at key locations between 12:30 and 2 PM”
April 6, 2013 (sat) Monroe Street Fair – in Ann Arbor, MI, after the Annual Hash Bash.
official websites: www.monroestreetfair.com + facebook
"We are looking forward to another stellar lineup in 2012, featuring the return of GLOWB, Name TBD, Luis Resto, the Facebook band contest winner, and 2 others. We plan on featuring comedy and other fun stuff in between acts this year."
April 13, 2013 (sat) Jake’s Music Festival – annual benefit concert in Grand Rapids, MI (West Michigan).
official web pages: www.jakesmusicfestival.blogspot.com and www.myspace.com/jakesmusicfestival
5pm-11pm. Wealthy Theatre, 1130 Wealthy Street SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506. This annual event is a benefit concert for the local chapter of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Show is Free, Donations to JDRF will be accepted, plus there is a silent auction. Bands are donating their time to this great cause. Jake's Music Festival was started by Tom and Mary Scheidel of Rockford and named for their son Jake who was diagnosed with Type 1, also known as juvenile diabetes, when he was only six. Bring your family and friends.
April 19, 2013 (fri) Detroit Music Awards 2013 – DMA 22nd Anniversary Ceremony & Show at The Fillmore Detroit in Downtown Detroit.
official website: www.detroitmusicawards.com
Big Time Annual Awards Ceremony presented by the Detroit Music Awards Foundation (DMAF). This night is all about meeting and congratulating our incredibly talented local musicians in grand style! It's a glorious night with award presentations, live performances, music biz movers and shakers in attendance, access to local music information. Admission Tickets info will be posted on website along with scheduled performers and information for sponsorships and vendor booths.
April 19-20, 2013 (fri-sat) Bringin' Back the 80's Festival – in Frankenmuth (mid/east MI, north of Flint).
official websites: www.80sfest.org + facebook.com
Annual event, all ages, Admission $10. Break Dancing Show, Look-A-Like Contest, Thriller Dance-A-Long, 80s Fest Queen, DJ with music videos, live band, Retro Rec Room with memorabilia and gaming, photo booth, more. 989-652-8008.
April 21, 2012 (sat) Record Store Day – Record Store Day 2012 Ambassador was Iggy Pop.
official website: www.recordstoreday.com
A celebration of the unique culture surrounding over 700 independently owned real, live, physical, indie record stores in the USA, and hundreds of similar stores internationally. On website you can enter to win prizes plus find stores near you. Check out and visit Michigan Record Stores. Annual celebration, 3rd Saturday every April.
April 21, 2013 (sun) 27th Annual Review Music Awards Ceremony & Celebration – at at the Barts Entertainment Complex in Bay City (East/Mid Michigan). official information: www.newreviewsite.com + facebook
"Join us for this annual landmark musical event whereby we honor Great Lakes Bay musicians in over 70 categories of music and genres ranging from Jazz, Blues, Rock, Country, Folk, Hip-Hop and more, as selected and voted upon by registered voters of Review Magazine." Final voting round ends March 7, 2013 and determine the winner in each category.
April 22-25, 2012 Bach Festival Week – in Kalamazoo, MI (West Michigan).
official information at www.kzoo.edu/bach + facebook + www.bach-cantatas.com
April 25-27, 2013 (thu-sat) Metro Times Blowout 2013 – 1st Weekend – in Detroit and Hamtramck.
official websites: blowout.metrotimes.com + facebook
Music Fest expanded in 2013 to two weekends! 2nd is May 2-4, 2013 in Ferndale, MI, just north of Detroit. Probably the largest local music fest in the U.S., it showcases around 200 Michigan Music Artists at lots of venues. Blowout Kick-Off Party April 25 is on Thursday at the Majestic in Detroit. Fri-Sat April 26-27 is in Hamtramck, north of Downtown Detroit. 2013 Schedule and Bands is posted on main website. Tickets for One Weekend are $20, Both Weekends $35. Enjoy this All Local, Big-Time, Music Slavin', Venue Bar-Hopping good time!
April 25-27, 2013 (thu-sat) North American International Banjo Convention NAIBC 2012 – at the Doubletree Hotel in Dearborn, MI (west side of Detroit). official website: www.naibc.org
TBA 2014 Gilmore Keyboard Festival – in West Michigan.
official website: www.gilmorekeyboardfestival.org
Held every other year, next one in 2014. "The Gilmore's festival presents two weeks of astonishing keyboard performances across West Michigan, a festival that celebrates the joy and power of music in concerts, recitals, chamber music performances, lectures, master classes, and film."
May 2-4, 2013 (thu-sat) Metro Times Blowout 2013 – 2nd Weekend – in Ferndale, MI. just north of Detroit.
official websites: blowout.metrotimes.com + facebook
Music Fest second weekend showcasing Michigan Music Artists at various venues. First was April 25-27. Tickets for One Weekend are $20, Both Weekends $35. 2013 Performers Schedule is posted on main website. Enjoy this All Local, Big-Time, Music Slavin', Venue Bar-Hopping good time!
May 11, 2013 (sat) Lookin' Back's 4th Annual Bob Seger Birthday Bash (a Bob Seger Tribute) – in Commerce, MI.
official information: www.tributetoseger.com + facebook + tickets
This Bob Seger Birthday Bash will be at a bowling ally where The Bob Seger System performed between 1967-1969 - Wonderland Lanes. Lookin' Back, a Bob Seger Tribute band, will perform songs from the Nine Tonight & Live Bullet albums. $25 ticket includes Seger Tribute Concert with Video & Lighting Effects, a pre-show Judas Priest Tribute by Bloodstone, dinner buffet, unlimited bowling, pool, darts, video golf, birthday cake and more. only 200 tickets available.
note: on May 11th, Seger will be performing in Edmonton, AB (Canada), his last scheduled concert.
Wonderland Lanes is located at 8265 Richardson Rd, Commerce, MI 48390.
May 23, 2013 (thu) 1592 Record Release Party for Hooligans For Heroes – at the Commune Lounge in Royal Oak, MI. 1592 is a reggae/dub band from Detroit. They are releasing their single "Saturday Night" to benefit Hooligans for Heroes.
May 25-27, 2013 (sat-mon) Movement 2013 – Detroit Electronic Music Festival (DEMF, Movement Detroit) – in Downtown Detroit at Hart Plaza.
official websites: movement.us + facebook
Internationally recognized Annual Memorial Day weekend event that features almost 100 artists on four stages. General Admission Day Pass $39, 3-Day General Admission Pass $89, 3-Day VIP $199. Some scheduled performers are Carl Craig, Derrick May & Kevin Saunderson, Moby, Dabrye, Tokimonsta, Phantasmagoria, Dubfire, Deastro, Buzz Goree, Nina Kraviz, Sinistarr, The M Machine, plus many more. Movement is also known as "Detroit's Electronic Music Fest" and was formerly called "FUSE-in: Detroit's Electronic Movement" and "Detroit Techno Fest".
May 31 - June 2, 2013 (fri-sun) Downtown Hoedown – at Comerica Park in Downtown Detroit.
official information: WYCD Hoedown + facebook
Over 40 country artists on several stages. 2013 headliners include Uncle Kracker, Jake Owen, Joe Nichols, Phil Vassar, Aaron Lewis, more. Put on by 99.5 WYCD and Live Nation. Tickets: Three-day passes $30. Individual day tickets available March 15th.
June 6-8, 2013 (thu-sat) Jackson Blues Festival – in Jackson, MI (south of Lansing, west of Ann Arbor)
official websites: jacksonbluesfest.com + facebook
held at the Jackson County Airport, Admission $5 each day, brought to you by Slipped Disc Productions.
June 7-9, 2013 (fri-sun) Noreast’r Music & Art Festival – in Mio, MI (southeast of Gaylord).
official websites: noreastr.net + facebook
annual fest. tickets cost $10 to $60, depending on day or weekend passes, bought in advance, etc. Presented by the AuSable Valley NorEast'r Association of Folk (AVNAF).
June 8, 2013 (sat) FreeMusic Fest (FMF) – in Freeland, MI (Mid/East Michigan).
official websites: freemusicfest.com + facebook
Noon to Dusk, FREE Admission. Tittabawassee Park, 9200 Midland Rd, Freeland MI. 2013 will mark the 6th year for FreeMusic and we couldn't be more excited.. Join us in the park for a day filled with the sounds of Michigan's finest original music, sunshine and fun for the whole family! There's a little something for everyone at FMF. You might hear blues, jazz, rock, country or folk music while you are here, you can visit with local artists and see their creations, or even create some art yourself at our FreePaint group mural project! There's great food from local vendors and an expansive play area with a bounce house and a coloring contest for the kiddies! As Bo White (owner of White's Bar in Saginaw) said, "Is it any wonder that Billboard Magazine listed the Fest as one of the top 5 free music events in Michigan?" Well, we couldn't agree more!
June 8-9, 2013 (sat-sun) Orion Music and More Festival – on Belle Isle in Detroit.
official information: www.orionmusicandmore.com + facebook
A weekend-long Metallica music + more experience. Hard rock and heavy metal music, Red Hot Chili Peppers headlines on saturday and Metallica headlines on sunday. single day tickets $90, weekend #150.
June 8-23, 2013 Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival - 20 Annual – in Southeast Michigan.
official website: www.greatlakeschambermusic.com
"The 2013 Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival will celebrate 20 years in June 2013. In honor of this exciting milestone the Great Lakes Festival is bringing back favorite artists, commissioning new works, performing in new venues, and a whole host of other things."
June 14-15, 2013 (fri-sat) Jazzin’ on Jefferson – in Detroit (near Grosse Pointe Park).
official websites and info: www.jazzinonjefferson.com + facebook + www.jeffersoneast.org
Annual Free Street festival featuring several stages of entertainment, mostly jazz and blues in a lively, family-friendly atmosphere featuring vendors, merchants, artists, and musicians.
June 14-16, 2013 (fri-sun) Motor City Irish Fest (MCIF) – in Redford, MI (just west of Detroit).
official info on facebook
Annual. Live entertainment includes bands, singers, pipers and dancers. Irish food. Held on the grounds of St. Valentine Church located on Beech Daly Rd (south of 5 Mile). The 2011 Irish fest drew over 5000 people and this year promises to be much larger, with larger tents, more sponsors, additional children's tent by day and sessions tent in the evening and more vendors and events throughout the festival. Admission $7.
June 14-16, 2013 (fri-sun) Music at Belleville National Strawberry Festival – in Belleville, MI (west of Detroit).
official website: www.nationalstrawberryfest.com
annual event. Downtown area has 3 stages of live entertainment. Variety of local bands and artists are featured and their schedules will be posted, plus "Strawberry Idol" singing competition.
June 15, 2013 (sat) Spirit of the Woods Folk Festival – in Brethren, MI (northwest lower peninsula).
official web page: www.spiritofthewoods.org/festival.html
35th Annual in 2012, Free Admission.
June 20-22, 2013 (thu-sat) Island Festival – in Downtown Kalamazoo (West MI).
official websites: www.islandfestkalamazoo.com + facebook
Annual event. Reggae music includes "international, national, regional, and local talent and is the largest celebration of the Caribbean culture in Michigan."
June 20-23, 2013 (thu-sun) "Above The Bridge" Songwriters Weekend – in the U.P.
official information: Erickson Center for the Arts
Annual weekend offers songwriters, musicians and music lovers alike, not only three days of great food, a cozy atmosphere and an inviting place to lay a weary head, but it is also be a weekend of songwriting, open-stage time, musical workshops, performances, good times. weekend tickets start at $230.
June 21-22, 2013 (fri-sat) Alpena Blues Festival – in Alpena, MI (northeast lower peninsula).
official websites: www.alpenablues.com + facebook
10th Annual in 2013, held at the Alpena County Fairgrounds which has a covered stage & grandstand, also has camping sites.
June 27-30, 2013 (thu-sun) Electric Forest Festival – in Rothbury, MI, at the Double JJ Ranch (Western MI).
official websites: www.electricforestfestival.com + facebook
This four day outdoor music festival is the successor to the former Rothbury Music Festival. Many music genres, local and national music acts. 2012 tickets TBA.
June 27-30, 2013 (thu-sun) St. Stan's A.C. Polish Festival – in Bay City, MI (East/Mid Michigan).
info on facebook. Enjoy Polish Music (live bands) at "Michigan's largest Polish Festival"
June 28-29, 2013 (fri-sat) JuneGrass Bluegrass Music Festival – in Lowell, MI (West Michigan).
official information: www.wmbma.org/festivals/junegrass/junegrass.html
Sponsored by West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association. This year we have a brand new and improved bluegrass festival! Come join us for JuneGrass, the festival that replaces our previous MayFest Bluegrass Festival. We've gone all out in booking some really hot bands for your entertainment pleasure! Along with the music we'll have instrument workshops, activities for the kids, a song writer's competition, and more to be announced.
June 28-30, 2013 (fri-sun) Stars and Stripes Festival – in Mount Clemens, MI (northeast of Detroit).
official websites: www.starsandstripesfest.com + facebook
FREE admission. Music Performances by national and local bands, over 75 performances, four stages. Plus there's art, fireworks and more.
TBA 2013 (fri-sat) Muskegon Rockstock – at Heritage Landing in Muskegon, MI (Western Michigan).
official websites: www.muskegonrockstock.com + facebook.
"It's a huge party complete with live music, food and drinks. It's a place to spend two days with your friends and family, in a beautiful park. Muskegon Rockstock was started in 2008 as a way to showcase the local music scene and those that rock the Muskegon nightlife. It's turned into an annual event featuring not just local bands, but popular regional bands as well. It's all about the music and it’s all about staying local!" $5 Admission.
TBA 2013 (sat) White's Bar Summer Music Fest A-Go-Go! – in Saginaw, MI (East Michigan).
official info on facebook. Annual. 2pm-2am, approx 12 bands, acoustic to punk to jam to rock. White's Bar is located at 2609 State Street, Saginaw, MI. Tickets about $5.
June 29 and July 4-7, 2013 (sat + thur-sun) Concert of Colors – Diversity Festival – in Midtown Detroit.
official website: www.concertofcolors.com
21st in 2013. FREE Admission musical celebration of Metro Detroit's cultural diversity. It features the Don Was Detroit All-Star Revue and musical acts from around the world with a wide range of global musical styles, including music from Detroit area. takes place at multiple venues in Midtown Detroit, just north of downtown.
July 4-7, 2013 (thu-sun) Cedar Polka Fest – in Cedar, MI (Northwest Michigan).
official websites: www.cedarpolkafest.com and facebook plus blog
Annual four-day party with hearty food, drink and continuous polka music and dancing. Also has a parade. Admission for Ages over 20 is $5 to $20. Ages 13 thru 20 are 1/2 price when accompanied by parent. Ages 12 & Under Free when accompanied by parent. (July 5-8 in 2012)
July 7, 2013 (sun) The Ultimate White Party – at Chene Park in Detroit.
info at: cheneparkdetroit.com + www.ultimatedetroit.com + facebook
annual outdoor Hip Hop party. live music and more in a nightclub style atmospere.
July 8-14, 2013 (mon-sun) Common Ground Music Festival – in downtown Lansing, MI.
official website: www.commongroundfest.com
Annual event. 2013 headliners include Barenaked Ladies, Ben Folds Five, Slash, Ludacris. "The featured component of Common Ground - top-shelf, national musical performers will occupy two (2) main stages each night. Headline shows will spotlight numerous contemporary musical formats including Country, Classic Rock, New Rock and R&B. A variety of local, regional and other national performers will ignite other festival stages with non-stop music of all kinds throughout the Festival." tickets generally range from $24.50 to $119.50
July 10-14, 2013 (wed-sun) Music at Blissfield River Raisin Festival – in Blissfield, MI.
official website: www.blissfield.net
28th Annual in 2011.
July 11-13, 2013 (thu-sat) Kalamazoo Blues Festival (KBF) – in Kalamazoo (West Michigan).
official web pages: www.kvba.org/blog/?page_id=206 + facebook
20th Annual in 2013. 20+ acts, national and the regions best blues talent. Put on by the Kalamazoo Valley Blues Association (KVBA), held at the Arcadia Festival Site. Fest held annually in July. Three-day passes are $20 in advance (a savings of $11 over purchase-per-day gate cost).
July 12-13, 2013 (fri-sat) Michigan Elvisfest – in Ypsilanti, MI.
official website: www.mielvisfest.org + facebook
Annual event. Tickets: Friday (5 PM to Midnight) $13 per person, Saturday (Noon to Midnight) $18 per person, Children 12 years and under admitted free. Discount tickets will be available online. "One of The Largest Elvisfest Concerts in North America! This not a contest but a true concert with spectacular performances, from the first act to the last act, by the best professional Elvis Tribute Artists in North America." includes local.
July 12-14, 2013 (fri-sun) Blissfest – 33rd Annual – in Harbor Springs, MI (northwest tip of lower peninsula).
details on: www.blissfest.org
A celebration of music, culture, art and community featuring a world of diverse and innovative folk and roots music and dance. All ages event is a showcase of the many musical styles that define American roots and world music. Bluegrass, Blues, Cajun, Celtic, Folk, Jazz, Latin, Ethnic. 3 stages, 4 workshop areas, organized children's activities, a variety of food concessions and a juried arts and crafts show. Tickets $10 to $125 depending on day or weekend pass, member, non-member, etc., camping available, extra.
July 12-14, 2013 (fri-sun) Uncle Sam Jam – in Woodhaven, MI (Downriver, south of Detroit).
official websites: www.unclesamjamfest.com + facebook
FREE Concerts include National Music Entertainment each night. Plus Carnival Rides and Games, and a Firework Display. Held at Civic Center Park, see website for full details.
July 12-14, 2013 (thu-sun) American Polish Festival & Craft Show – in Sterling Heights, MI (north of Detroit).
official website: www.americanpolishfestival.com
33rd. Three days of Live Music and Dancing, Polish Cuisine and American favorites, Craft show, Polish Pub, Annual Pierogi-Eating Contest, Vegas Room and Kid's Games. Held on the grounds of the American-Polish Century Club located at 33204 Maple Lane, Sterling Heights, MI 48312. Entry Fee is $5 parking. phone 586-264-7990.
July 18-20, 2013 (thu-sat) Beaver Island Music Festival – on Beaver Island, near Charlevoix.
official website: www.beaverislandmusicfestival.com
Annual. 11+ music artists. festival promotes variety and tradition of all music and art. camping available. tickets are required and available online, advance discount tickets available, camping-shuttle-ferry-air tickets also available online.
July 19-21, 2013 (fri-sun) Faster Horses Festival – in Brooklyn, MI (lower Michigan).
official websites: www.fasterhorsesfestival.com + facebook
3-day camping and country music festival. Featured performers include Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Kix Brooks, more. Single Day Passes are Not Available, General Admission 3-Day Passes are $170. Children age 10 and under get in free. Camping tickets must be purchased separately from Festival Admissions Pass and do not include admission to the Festival.
July 19-21, 2013 (fri-sun) Detroit Paradise Valley Music Festival – in Detroit.
official website: detroitparadisevalleymusicfestival.net
FREE Concerts. Over 75 international, national, and local music acts. r&b, jazz, blues, gospel.
July 19-21, 2013 (fri-sun) 35th Annual Hiawatha Festival – in Marquette, MI (U.P.).
official website: www.hiawathamusic.org
"Event features traditional-music styles that include bluegrass, old-time, Cajun, Celtic, acoustic blues and folk - including singer/songwriters - and dance. Mainstage acts include nationally known performers as well as regional and local favorites. The Festival also has special areas for children and teens with organized activities and performances designed for those age groups."
July 20, 2013 (sat) Hot Blues, BBQ, and Art – in Lake Orion, MI (northwest of Detroit).
official website: www.hotbluesandbbq.com
$5 Admission, Noon to 11pm at Cantebury Village, 2369 Joslyn Ct, Lake Orion, MI. 48360. It returns after a 2 year hiatus.
July 25-27, 2013 (thur-sat) Sterlingfest Art and Music Fair – in Sterling Heights, MI (just north of Detroit).
official information on : http://www.sterling-heights.net/ + facebook
Features continuous entertainment throughout the day and nightly concerts on three stages. Event also has food from a dozen local restaurants, the works of dozens of artisans, fun and games for kids, adult beverages, more.
July 25-27, 2013 (thu-sat) Marshall Bluegrass Festival – 15th Annual – in Marshall, MI, at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds.
official information: www.marshallbluegrass.com/home2
9 Bands, band scramble, more. tickets $10 to $30, Children under 12 Free w/parents. camping available.
July 26-28, 2013 (fri-sun) Music at St. Clair Riverfest – in St. Clair, MI (northeast of Detroit).
official website: www.stclairriverfest.com
FREE admission. Annual event combines Offshore Boat Racing with National Recording artists and draws over 100,000 visitors annually.
July 27, 2013 (sat) Michigan Vet Fest Summer Benefit Concert – at Motor City Eagles (F.O.E. 2265) in Redford, MI.
details and additional information: www.warriors211.com + Michigan Vetfest Facebook Page
Suggested $5 donation at the door. Lots of bands and musicians, plus raffles prizes giveaways from afternoon till 1:30am. 100% of the door donations goes to support Veteran's Haven Shelter (in Wayne, MI), WWP the Wounded Warriors Project, and Soldiers Angels.
July 27, 2013 (sat) Flint Folk Music Festival – in Flint, MI.
official info at: www.flintfolkmusic.org
13th Annual in 2012, free admission, was held in Kearsley Park. no mention of one for 2013.
TBA 2013 (sun) Michigan Jazz Festival – in Livonia at Schoolcraft College (west of Detroit).
official websites: michiganjazzfestival.homestead.com + facebook.com
noon to 9:30pm. Annual event features lots of great straight ahead jazz. No smooth jazz. Held on the 3rd Sunday in July.
TBA 2013 (sat) 1st Annual Clinton County Country Music Fest – in Saint Johns, MI.
official information on facebook
5 Mid-Michigan country bands, 3-10 pm at the St. Johns Band Shell in the City Park. Food Vendors, kids' interactive activities, contests, band merchandise for sale.
TBA 2013 (fri-sun) Sleepy Bear Music Festival – at Lake Ann, MI (northwest lower peninsula).
official website: www.sleepybearmusic.com
Dunegrass Festival name is gone, long live the Sleepy Bear Music Festival. Now held "on a beautiful 350 acre farm, the site is now fully equipped with electric and a premanant stage set in a natural amphitheater plus a 2nd stage and also an acoustic stage". see website for prices and tickets.
TBA 2013 (sat-sun) Colony Marine AquaPalooza 2012 – on Lake St. Clair near Algonac.
official info when posted: www.aquapalooza.com (North Central area/Michigan) + 2012 info
Boating event with concerts actually on the lake. 2 days of Free Concerts and special events. Takes place in front of Belle Maer Harbor and Mac Ray Harbor.
Heatstock - Blues Festival and BBQ - Ended Till Further Notice – there was a Heatstock Reunion on July 28, 2012. Fest in 2011 might have been the last. Updates - if any - will get posted on www.nocover.net
July 31 – August 2, 2013 (wed-fri) Riverfolk Jam Camp – in Manchester, MI.
official website: www.riverfolkfestival.org
Annual event features Bluegrass and Cajun music. Events have an admission cost or registration fee, see website for specific costs.
August 1-4, 2013 (thu-sun) Woodtick Music Festival – in the U.P.
official website: www.woodtickfestival.com
Annual. "Woodtick Music Festival is a home-grown, Upper Peninsula style shindig featuring a variety of regional and not so regional bands who all have one thing in common .... they're damn good!"
TBA 2013 (sat) Memphis Blues Festival Michigan – in Memphis, MI (southwest of Port Huron, northeast of Detroit).
official websites: memphisbluesmi.com/wordpress/ + facebook
Annual, Free Admission. Approximately 12 blues performers, fireworks on Saturday. Held at at Lions Field, 34578 Pratt Rd, Memphis, MI.
August 4-5, 2012 (sat-sun) 7th Annual SCP/UR- Backpack Music Festival – at New Center Park in Detroit.
official info on: www.newcenterpark.com
SCP/UR-Backpacking For Success are collaborating with the founders and innovators of electronic music, including Derrick May, Eddie Fowlkes, Galaxy 2 Galaxy, and many other talented DJs and Artists. Admission Price: $10 with the donation of a Backpack and school supplies. $20 without those items. For Children 6-12 years old, the price of admission is $5. Children 6 and under are Free.
August 5, 2012 (sun) Detroit Black Music Awards – at Bert's Wharehouse Theater: in Detroit.
information on facebook
nominate in June, vote in July, show on Aug 5th. tickets in 2011 were $25 to $55.
August 6-11, 2013 (tue-sun) Michigan Womyn's Music Festival – in Northern Michigan.
official website: www.michfest.com
Intergenerational tribe of womyn annually come together to make music, art, performance and community. Every womon who attends the festival does a community services workshift. tickets are $65 to $550, depending on number of days, advance or at gate.
August 8-10 & August 16-17, 2013 (both thu-sat) Frankenmuth Summer Music Fest – in Frankenmuth (Mid-MI).
official information: www.frankenmuthfestivals.com + facebook
Annual event, 6 days of non-stop music events featuring 14 of the nations top polka bands.
August 8-10, 2013 (thu-sat) Milan Bluegrass Festival – in Milan, MI (lower Southeast MI).
official info on: www.kccampgroundmilan.com/milan-bluegrass-festival
Annual. tickets $25 to $75 per-person, children under 12 free with parents, advance tickets available. camping available for extra cost.
August 8-10, 2013 (thu-sat) Unity 2013 (Unity Christian Music Festival) – in Muskegon, MI (Western Michigan).
official websites: sites.radiantwebtools.com/?i=7888 + facebook
held at Heritage Landing. tickets $15 to $62.50.
August 8-11, 2013 (thu-sun) Farmfest 2013 – in Johannesburg (northern lower peninsula).
official website: www.farm-fest.com
Annual traditional music festival, a musician's playground. Gates open on Thursday. Main stage music begins on Friday. Drum Kiva, Fire circle jams, Parkin lot pickin, candle light labryinth walk, 2nd stage open mic, Blow your Face off harmonica contest, dances till 2am, kids stuff, workshops, great food, sacred land. $50 weekend pass, includes camping. $65 if you pay at the gate. Daily fee is $25.
August 8-11, 2013 (thu-sun) River Raisin Jazz Festival – 11th Annual – in Monroe (lower Southeast MI).
official info: facebook + www.monroeinfo.com
at St Marys Park in Downtown Monroe. "Award Winning River Raisin Jazz Festival is one of the Great Lakes Region's largest & best FREE Jazz festivals. With more than 50,00 visitors in attendance each year from around the state and across the nation. We have hosted the BIGGEST names in Jazz including Kenny G, Chuck Mangione, David Sanborn, Spyro Gyra, Earl Klugh, Chris Botti, Ray Parker Jr, Nelson Rangell, Larry Carlton, Rick Braun, many more (plus local jazz artists). Great food is available, and a second stage and Fine Art Fair take place just two blocks away."
August 9-10, 2013 (fri-sat) Bluegrass In The Park Folklife Festival – in Atlanta, MI (northeast lower peninsula)
official websites: www.bluegrassinthepark.com + facebook
28th in 2013. Free Admission, held annualy on the first full weekend in August rain or shine at Briley Township Park on the Thunder Bay River.
August 9-11, 2013 (fri-sun) Great Lakes Folk Festival – in East Lansing, MI.
official website: www.greatlakesfolkfest.net
annual festival. Free Admission. "GLFF offers a one-of-a-kind mix of music and dance stages, demonstrations of traditional arts and storytelling, authentic ethnic food, an arts marketplace, and many special activities for kids and their companions."
August 9-11, 2013 (fri-sun) Music at Milford Memories Summer Festival – in Milford, MI (northwest of Detroit).
musical entertainment info on: www.milfordmemories.com/
2012 entertainment schedule is posted. Annual festival with over 200,000 attendees. variety of events and activities.
August 9-11, 2013 (fri-sun) Grand Marais Music and Arts Festival – in the U.P. (upper peninsula)
official information: grandmaraismichigan.com (events tab) + facebook
Three days of music, food, crafts, and fun in Grand Marais. Annual event with Bluegrass, Blues, Classic Rock, Americana, Rockabilly, Jazz/Rock, Acoustic, more. An open mic second stage, artisans, food vendors, fun for the whole family, on-site camping available. 2011 Tickets were gate: $10 to $35, Children 12 and under Free when accompanied by an adult, camping extra.
August 9-17, 2013 Cheeseburger in Caseville - 15th Annual – (Caseville is in Michigan's thumb).
festival info on: www.casevillechamber.net/ + 2013 festival info/
City is "transformed into Key North for this 10 days festival that celebrates the lifestyle and music made popular by Jimmy Buffett." Carnival, Parade of Tropical Fools, Caribbean Street Dance, Live Entertainment, Vintage Motorcycle Show, Classic Car Show, Craft Show, Texas Hold'em Tournament, Golf Scramble, Beautiful Baby Contest, Lots of Cheeseburgers, more.
August 10, 2013 (sat) Dirt Fest – at Birch Run Expo Center (north of Flint).
official websites: dirtfest.com + facebook
Music and culture festival. Many bands, several stages, many different styles of music. Advance tickets in 2011 were $20 each.
August 16-18, 2013 (fri-sun) Ypsilanti Heritage Festival – at Riverside Park in Ypsilanti, MI (west of Detroit)
official websites: www.ypsilantiheritagefestival.com + facebook
Free Admission, Over 24 bands, 4 stages. Community festival also has Beer Garden, Casino Gambling, Children's Village, arts and crafts, midway foods, more.
August 17, 2013 (sat) Music at the Woodward Dream Cruise – bands, performers, djs, will be doing music at various stages and venues throughout the cruise route. more info on www.woodwarddreamcruise.com
TBA 2013 (fri-sat) CowPie Music Fest – in Alaska, MI (a little southeast of Grand Rapids).
official websites: on www.cowpiemusicfestival.com + facebook
43 bands, 226 musicians, 516 songs, 16 musical genres, two days, two stages, 700 FREE campsites, FREE parking, 50+ vendors, cold beer, thousands of your friends, and a FREE Cowpie Stampede Mud Run 5k course! weekend tickets $55 advance, $70 day of show. No individual day prices.
TBA 2013 (fri-sun) Hoxeyville Music Festival – in Wellston, MI.
official websites: www.hoxeyville.com + facebook
3 day event featuring many state, regional and national acts with rustic camping sites for RV's and campers, food and craft vendors, kids area with special music and crafts, canoe trips, music workshops given by many of the performers and an open mic stage all in a beautiful north woods setting. Weekend Pass $140 to $300.
TBA 2013 (sat) Cosmic Slop Music Festival – in Detroit, MI.
official websites: cosmicslopfest.com + facebook
2nd in 2012. noon to 2am, an All-Ages, Multi-Cultural Rock Music Festival. over 12 hours of music on 3 stages, indoor and outdoor. fest also has Live Art, Belly Dancers, Film Screenings, poetry, adult beverages for adults, food, more.
TBA 2013 (sat) Motors And Music Experience – at the Silverdome in Pontiac, MI. Stone Temple Pilots, Ice T, Trick Trick, Dirty Americans, Howling Diablos, the High Strung, more. www.motorsandmusicexperience.com + silverdomeevents.com
August 22-25, 2013 (thu-sun) Midland Folk Music Festival - 20th Annual – in Midland, MI (Mid Michigan).
info at: www.folkmusicsociety.org/festival
Held at the Midland County Fairgrounds, 6905 Eastman Rd., Midland, MI. "The Folk Music Society of Midland is hosting a gathering of folk musicians enthusiasts and traditional dancers. The Folk Music Society invites musicians of all levels, from beginners to advanced, to bring their acoustic instruments and join the festivities. Traditional folk musicians come to play, listen, jam, perform, camp, perform, dance, sing, teach, learn, buy & sell. There will be lots of jamming and open stage opportunities all weekend." They charge Admission, but cost is not posted on website.
August 23-24, 2013 (fri-sat) Sun Dried Music Festival - 4th Annual – in Mason (near Lansing, Mid MI).
info to be posted on: www.masondda.com/Sun-Dried.html
Free Admission. The event will be showcasing a variety of musical performances ranging from rock, jazz, blues, latin jazz, salsa, and country.
August 23-25, 2013 (fri-sun) Blues By The Bay – 12th Annual – in East Tawas, MI (East Michigan).
official website: bluesbythebaytawas.org
Three day blues festival presented by the Tawas Bay Blues Society (TBBS). Admission $20, includes all 3 days, children under 10 free. Performance Schedule will be on website.
August 23-25, 2013 (fri-sun) Porcupine Mountains Music Festival - 9th Annual – in the U.P. (upper peninsula)
official websites: www.porkiesfestival.org + facebook
Held in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Annual festival "will feature folk, blues, bluegrass and contemporary music from top-class nationally touring artists as well as up and coming Michigan artists. 1,250 people per day will get to hear the over 30 artists who will appear on our outdoor stages." Tickets one day to weekend full price is $35 to $90. However, there are advance ticket discounts, seniors and children discounts.
August 24, 2013 (sat) Harsens Island Bluegrass Festival – in East Michigan.
official information on facebook
1pm to 9pm Music Festival at the Harsens Island Schoolhouse Grille. Local Bluegrass Bands and one national act. Admission $20. Traveling to Harsens Island also requires a $7 ferry ride (stay in your car!).
August 24, 2013 (fri-sat) 5th Annual Traverse City Summer Microbrew & Music Festival – in Traverse City, MI (northwest MI).
info at: www.porterhouseproductions.com
50+ Microbreweries, Wineries, Meaderies, Cideries, and a stellar line-up of local and national touring musicians on the historical lawn of The Village at Grand Traverse Commons.
TBA 2013 (tentatively Aug 24-25, 2013) Music at the Peoples Arts Festival (PAF) – in Detroit.
info on facebook
"The People's Arts Festival, Detroit's largest, free multi-arts festival, has announced it will take 2012 off as a, 'hiatus year', in order to better accommodate both the artists and attendees the festival draws to the Russell Industrial Center, 1600 Clay Avenue, Detroit, every August."
TBA 2013 (sat) Crispy Music Fest – at in Saginaw, MI.
official info on facebook
Indoor/Outdoor Festival, 3 stages, approx 27 Bands, noon to 2am. in 2013, this fest might merge with Altered Skin Revolution (facebook)
TBA 2013 (sun) Mack and Third festival (A Call To Service) – at Cass Park in Detroit.
official website: www.mackandthird.org
Annual free concert and food drive to help the homeless in Detroit. Kem, who is from Detroit, was the featured entertainment in 2012. Preview fundraising event is The Gold Party, tickets $35 to $100, held on Thursday before the sunday fest. "Mack and Third is a non-profit organization dedicated to assisting the homeless by gathering food and raising funds for the area's homeless shelters and food banks". Donations are accepted 24/7 year-round on the official website.
August 30 – September 2, 2013 (fri-mon) Arts, Beats & Eats Festival (Ford Arts, Beats & Eats) – in Royal Oak, MI (just north of Detroit). official websites: www.artsbeatseats.com + facebook
Annual Arts Beats & Eats is held every Labor Day Weekend. Daily Admission Fee TBA (as of Aug 4, 2012). parking is extra. "The festival will offer more than 200 performances on ten stages [2012 music lineup + schedule], a highly ranked Juried Fine Arts Show, local restaurants with some of the finest cuisine in metro Detroit and international, regional and local attractions that will make the city of Royal Oak the premier destination for Labor Day weekend 2012."
August 30 – September 2, 2013 (fri-mon) Detroit Jazz Festival – at Hart Plaza, Downtown Detroit Riverfront.
official website: www.detroitjazzfest.com
Free Admission, Six stages. Detroit International Jazz Festival has Jazz & crossover music.
August 31, 2013 (sat) Thumbfest – in Lexington (in Michigan's Thumb).
official info when posted: www.bluewaterfolksociety.org + facebook
"A FREE all-day music festival for the entire family with music stages spread throughout downtown Lexington. Thumbfest spotlights acoustic music from traditions as diverse as New Orleans brass to Celtic, PanWorld to blues, Eastern European to Americana. There are multiple stages, workshops, jam sites, dance hall, song circles, children's stage area, crafts and a Hootenanny at the end of the night. Be sure to bring your instrument, lawn chairs AND your singing voice so you can participate in the events."
August 31 – September 1, 2013 (sat-sun) Michigan Mosaic Music Festival – in Lansing, MI.
official website: michiganmosaic.org
A public celebration of diversity and unity in Michigan's capital city. Activities include live bands, multicultural performers, ethnic cuisine, beverage tent, labor displays fireworks and more.
September 6, 2013 (fri) Mad Decent Block Party Detroit – in Pontiac, MI (north of Detroit). official websites: www.maddecentblockparty.com + www.maddecent.com + facebook
All ages, electronic and hip hop music. location: Elektricity Festival Grounds, 10 S Saginaw, Pontiac, MI. starts 2pm tickets are $20.
September 6-7, 2013 (fri-sat) Brighton's Smokin' Jazz & Barbecue Blues Festival – in Brighton, MI (northwest of Detroit). official web page: www.brightoncoc.org/General/smokin-jazz-and-barbeque.html
Annual event, Free Admission. "Every year, thousands of visitors and locals flood the streets of Brighton enjoying ribs infused and mounted with the tastiest and tangiest of barbecue sauce while listening to the sassy sounds of blues and jazz from musicians that trek to Brighton from across the country. also features a 32 Foot large screen for sports fans."
September 6-8, 2013 (fri-sun) Wheatland Music Festival – in Remus, MI (Mid Michigan).
official website: www.wheatlandmusic.org
40th Annual in 2013. Festival held the first weekend after Labor day in September. 160-acre festival site, juried arts and crafts show, raffle, children's activities, teen and young adult activities, instrument and dance workshops, music, food. Impromptu jam sessions can be found throughout the campgrounds all weekend long. Weekend tickets sold in advance only, Sunday only tickets are available at the gate.
September 7, 2013 (sat) Music at Dally in the Alley – in Detroit.
official website: www.dallyinthealley.com
Held annually the Saturday after Labor Day. 4 stages featuring many styles of music, plus a local artists gallery.
TBA 2013 (sat-sun) Marquette Area Blues Fest – in Marquette, MI (U.P., upper peninsula)
official web page: www.marquetteareabluessociety.org/festival.php
Marquette Area Blues Society (MABS) Annual Blues Festival in the Upper Peninsula includes 10 scheduled main performances, music workshops, dance workshops, festival after party. Adult Tickets: Daily $30, Weekend $50. Children 14 and under free with paid adult. Student, Young Adult, and Pre-Festival ticket discounts available. call 906-227-1032 ror tickets.
TBA 2013 (thu-sat) Pickin' on Cystic Fibrosis – at KC campground in Milan, MI (lower southeast Michigan).
official websites: www.pickinoncf.com and www.myspace.com/pickinoncf general info: www.letsrockcf.org
Bluegrass music fest to benefit Cystic Fibrosis research. Fri & Sat Tickets $20 to $40 depending on daily, weekend, advance. Thursday night concert is free. Children under 16 free with paying adult. Event includes lots of performances, a workshop, instrument raffle, 50/50 raffle. camping available.
September 13-15, 2013 (fri-sun) Michigan Irish Music Festival – in Downtown Muskegon (West Michigan).
official websites: www.michiganirish.org + facebook
Festival features an outstanding line-up of music on 3 stages, an Irish Pub, Market vendors, cultural activities, more. tickets: daily admission charge or $25 for a three day pass.
September 13-15, 2013 (fri-sun) Music at DIY Street Fair (Do-It-Yourself) – in Ferndale, MI (just north of Detroit).
official websites: diystreetfair.com [music lineup/schedule] + facebook
Event has more than 40 live, original musical acts, 14 Michigan Brewers, 6 Local Restaurants, Kids Zone. "Annual Free 2-day, 3-night event which celebrates do-it-yourself creative, innovative and entrepreneurial endeavors occurring throughout Detroit and surrounding communities."
September 20-21, 2013 (fri-sat) FallFest Bluegrass Festival – in Lowell, MI (West Michigan)
official information on: www.wmbma.org/events.php + W.M.B.M.A. FallFest 2012 info
17th Annual in 2012. Music Festival is put on by the West Michigan Bluegrass Music Association (W.M.B.M.A.), held at the Kent County Fairgrounds. Regional and local bands, Band scramble, Free instrument workshops. tickets range from $5 to $25, camping available.
September 15-16, 2012 (sat-sun) Music at Flat Rock Riverfest – at Huroc Park in Flat Rock, MI (south of Detroit).
official info on: www.flatrockmi.org/
At least 13 music artists including Bo Rice, Jo Caine, Fifty Amp Fuse, Alexander Zonjic with Thornetta Davis and the Motor City Horns, more. Fest also has a parade, beer tent, monster truck, millionaires tent, splatz paint ball, much more.
September 20 through October 7, 2013 4th Guinness World Record Assembly Line Concert – at AJ's Music Cafe in Highland Park, MI. Attempting 400 hours of non-stop live music to celebrate the 100 year anniversary of Henry Ford's Model T assembly line plant in Highland Park. 400 one-hour music performance spots available. details on facebook
September 21-22, 2012 (fri-sat) Old Town BluesFest – in Lansing.
official website: www.oldtownbluesfest.com
Two-day FREE music festival that brings national, regional, and local acts to an audience of roughly 15,000 people from across Michigan and nearby states. takes place in Old Town Lansing.
September 26-29, 2012 (wed-sat) Midwest Fest 2012 – at Rubble's Bar in Mt. Pleasant, MI (Mid Michigan).
official websites: mwfest.com + facebook
20 bands, 4 nights. 5th annual festival featuring indie, folk, electronic, experimental and pop bands from Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Kick-off party on the 25th.
September 28-29, 2012 (fri-sat) Oktoberfest West Michigan – in Grand Rapids, MI (West Michigan).
official website: www.oktoberfestwestmichigan.com
"We are hosting the largest known Alphorn Ensemble in the US". Free Admission, free parking, held at John Ball Park, put on by the Edelweiss Club. German music, dancing, authentic German food, beer tent, more.
TBA MI Fest – at Michigan International Speedway in Brooklyn, MI (southwest of Ann Arbor).
official websites: www.mi-fest.com + facebook
no info for 2012. In 2011, an Outdoor Music and Camping Festival featuring many big-name Michigan music performers.
October 6, 2012 (sat) 27th Annual Michigan State Championship Old-Time Fiddlers Contest – in New Boston, MI (southwest of Detroit). official information: huronapplefest.com/fiddlers-contest
Registration at 11am. Contestants must play a waltz, a schottische, a jig and a reel in a manner suitable to Michigan old-time dancing. Non-refundable $10 entry fee. $200 First Prize. Contest is part of the Huron Township Applefest.
TBA 2013 (fri) Trilogy Band's Annual MDA Benefit Concert
info at: www.trilogydetroit.com + Trilogy Band Facebook Page + Trenton Village Theater
2012 at the Trenton Village Theater, tickets were $15. Madman Mike Your Musical Slave was the Official Emcee for this benefit concert that features Door Prizes, Music, Fun & After-Party with the band. Benefit is to raise money to send kids to the MDA summer camp (Camp Caville) in Lexington, MI. MDA is the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
October 30, 2012 (tue) Zombie Dance Party 9 – at The Loving Touch in Ferndale, MI (just north of Detroit).
official information: on facebook
Zombies will rise and DANCE LIKE CRAZY at The Loving Touch in Ferndale, MI. Plus games, dancing, treats, screams, bites, blood, BEER and THE ZOMBINATOR make up station, all on Devil's Night. And every year there is something new. Not just performers and DJs change, but an added feature!
October 31 - November 3, 2012 (wed-sat) Edgefest – in Ann Arbor, MI.
official information on: www.kerrytownconcerthouse.com
Annual Jazz and Creative Music festival. Edgefest events take place at several venues. Concerts were scheduled so festival goers could experience all shows at all venues. Reservations accepted for individual concerts and a festival wide "Edgepass" for admission to all shows was available.
TBA Annual Motor City Blues & Boogie Woogie Festival
official information: www.amrf.net
Put on by the American Music Research Foundation (AMRF) whose purpose is capturing artists on video, both in performance and interviews, to be retained in their archives for historical purposes and to create programs for public television.
TBA International Gospel Music Hall of Fame and Museum Induction and Awards – no updates since 2009. based in Detroit. official websites: www.igmhf.org and www.myspace.com/igmhf
TBA Fall Metal Fest – in Mount Clemens, MI (north of Detroit).
official information and tickets at: deluxxeentertainment.com
Deluxxe Entertainment hosted Fall Metal Fest III in 2011 at the Emerald Theatre.
November 1-4 & 8-11, 2012 Lamb's Retreat for Songwriters – Annual – in Harbor Springs (northwest tip of lower peninsula).
full information at: www.springfed.org
17th Annual, presented by Springfed Arts. presentations. discussions, open mic, staff concerts, more.
November 23-25, 2012 The Nutcracker – at the Detroit Opera House in Detroit.
information and tickets: www.michiganopera.org
Tchaikovsky's glorious score played by the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra and features 100 professional BalletMet company dancers and local children.
December 7, 2012 (fri) Jingle Ballz 5
local rock and metal bands at the Crofoot in Pontiac, MI. $10 Admission. info at www.ballzdeluxe.net
December 25, 2012 (tuesday) Christmas
Merry Christmas to all my fellow music lovin' residents in Michigan and to everyone around the world. Peace, Love, and Happiness to all.
December 31, 2012 – Enjoy Great Music Entertainment at New Year's Eve Parties throughout all Michigan!
To find most New Year's Eve Parties, see your local paper or local community website.
CONCERT SERIES AND MUSIC SERIES throughout Michigan
Rockin' on the Riverfront Summer Concerts - Detroit, MI – annual, at the GM Renaissance Center.
Sonic Lunch - Ann Arbor, MI – annual. Bank of Ann Arbor's Sonic Lunch is a Free outdoor summer concert series at Liberty Plaza on Thursdays at lunch time from June to August.
New Center Park Concerts and Music Nights - Detroit, MI – annual. June to September. Some events are free, some charge admission.
White Crow Conservatory of Music Concert Series - Saginaw, MI – Annual Main Concert Season (five days a week) runs from Sept thru May. It also has workshops and full day festivals throughout the year.
Scarab Club Music Series - Detroit, MI – Different music series during the year include Emerging Artists, Blues Heritage Series, more. facebook
Ten Pound Fiddle Concert Series and Contra Dancing - East Lansing, MI – "Currently, we produce most of our concerts at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Greater Lansing located in East Lansing. For larger-drawing concerts, present shows at such venues as Michigan State University's Erickson Kiva, Wharton Center and East Lansing Hannah Community Center. For even smaller, more intimate shows, we use The Creole Gallery in Lansing's Old Town. "
Bach Festival of Kalamazoo Concert Series – in Kalamazoo (Southwest MI). Annual, in or near April.
MAMA's Coffee House Concert Series - Bloomfield Hills, MI – Winter/Spring and Fall series. It's a nonprofit organization and a production of Michigan Acoustic Musicians Alliance (MAMA) and Birmingham Unitarian Church.
Music in the Park - Plymouth, MI – Annual. Wednesdays during summer in Kellogg Park. facebook
Music in the Parks - Flint, MI – Annual. Four Free Concerts in July and August. facebook
Manitou Music Festival Concert Series – Annual in July & August, in the Northwest Lower Peninsula. various types of music, tickets around $15 each concert.
Music in the Park Summer Concert Series - Mackinac Island, MI – annual. June to August. Concerts are free, presented by the Mackinac Arts Council.
Open Jam Nights Facebook Page - Metro Detroit and Michigan – "Local Places where Musicians and anyone can go to and Listen or Participate in and Show thier Talent or just wanna cut loose and meet new friends who love to do the same. So if YOU Host 1 or 5 of them or attend 1 on a weekly basis Post the Venue, Day+Time here! So Everyone here will know where to go."
Open Mic Nights - Michigan – many are listed on openmikes.org
Acoustic Jam Night at Coopersville Farm Museum and Event Center – First and Third Tuesday of every month, year round, for beginner and experienced alike. It has become a community gathering with upwards of 35 Michigan musicians playing at any given time, a mix of old gospel, country, bluegrass, and folk music. Cost is $4 each (kids 12 & under are free).
Note: Karaoke and Idol Contests plus most singing competitions are listed on KARAOKE IN MICHIGAN page → click here
For national/international song contests and music competitions → click here
Detroit Blues Challenge 2012 – Applications are Being Accepted (as of December 18, 2011) for the 2012 Detroit Blues Challenge. various rounds of competition culminating with the Finals in October. Blues Challenge is Annual. Winner goes to the IBC International Blues Challenge in Memphis.
Singing Competition and Battle of the Bands at Scarecrow Festival – October 5-7, 2012, in Trenton (south of Detroit). Friday is the annual Singing Competition for ages 8-80, No entry fee. Saturday is Battle of the Bands which is broadcast LIVE on the Internet, band members must be 35 years old or younger, brought to you by MyTV20. Also check out Entertainment page on website. Festival has Carnival Rides, Scarecrow Contest, Pony rides, arts and crafts, more.
Michigan Competing Band Association State Championship – November 3, 2012 (saturday) at Ford Field in Detroit. High School Marching bands, Drum & Bugle Corps style bands in four MCBA Flights of Competition. info on MCBA website.
Sphinx Competition – February 13-17, 2013 in Ann Arbor and Detroit.
Annual classical music competition. "Open to all Junior High, High School, and College age Black and Latino string players residing in the U.S., offering young Black and Latino classical string players a chance to compete under the guidance of an internationally renowned panel of judges and to perform with established professional musicians in a competition setting."
William C. Byrd Young Artist Competition – Finals (Winds & Brass) March 2, 2013 in Flint.
"Young artists from throughout the world compete for a grand prize of $6,000 plus an opportunity to perform with the Flint Symphony Orchestra. Held annually on the first Saturday of March, competition is sponsored by the St. Cecilia Society in collaboration with the Flint Institute of Music and the Flint Symphony Orchestra." Competition rotates annually between four disciplines.
Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands (national) – Annual competition. Both Submission Deadline and Fan Voting for Michigan residents usually takes place in August. Must be your own original photo, song and/or video. Each band submission will be available for fan voting. Grand Prize includes $10,000 of gear plus a coveted spot to play live on the entire 2013 Rockstar Energy Drink UPROAR Festival.
Motorcity Undiscovered Talent Call – ended. Final Event was at Hard Rock Cafe Detroit on Feb 23, 2012.
Michigan Rock and Roll Legends – MRRL Hall of Fame 2012 – Legends encourages all Michigan residents to participate. Voting for both the 2012 Inductees for the Michigan Rock and Roll Legends online Hall of Fame and for the 2012 Legendary Michigan Songs opened January 1, 2012 and closed on June 1, 2012.
Hamburg Family Fun Fest – Annual Talent Search – in June. (Hamburg Twp is north of Ann Arbor). Junior, Adult & Open Divisions. Requires qualifying at preliminary round. For more information visit event website or www.partytimemusic.net
Kalamazoo County Fair Talent Search (West Michigan) – in August. Open to all types of family friendly talent - 3 divisions of competition. Cash prizes and opportunity to perform in the Michigan State Fair Talent Showcase.
Annual Michigan State Championship Old-Time Fiddlers Contest – in early October. held in New Boston (southwest of Detroit). Starts 10am. Contestants must play a waltz, a schottische, a jig and a reel in a manner suitable to Michigan old-time dancing. Contestants will be judged on tempo/timing. intonation, expression and repertoire. Non-refundable $10 entry fee. Annual contest is part of the Huron Township Applefest.
Metro Times - List of Music Events – in the Metro Detroit area. performers and special events at bars, clubs, venues. searchable.
Metromix Detroit - List of Music Events
Playing Here - Michigan – local music calendar (bands), arranged by city & venue on playinghere.com
Flint Area and Genesee County Music Events – list includes dates, descriptions, event links.
Detroit Concerts – their music events and competitions at venues such as St. Andrews Hall in Detroit, Pike Room and The Eagle Theatre in Pontiac, more.
Detroit Area Blues Events – throughout the year. one continually updated page of event dates, location, artists, and contact info listed by the Detroit Blues Society (DBS). also see DBS Official Events.
West Michigan Country.com – a one stop site for infomation on country events, artist, venues, radio, and west Michigan country news.
Northern Michigan Music Festivals – northern lower peninsula and the U.P., includes overviews and links to info.
U.P.Bands.com – their list of festivals includes all of the upper peninsula and northern Wisconson.
Michigan Shows Festivals Events
Freep.com Music News – Freep.com is the Detroit Free Press online.
Leelanau County Events and Music Events (Northwest Lower Peninsula, just north of Traverse City)
Fusicology List of Detroit Events – underground, house, freestyle, soul ...
Frankenmuth Festivals – in Frankenmuth (Mid-MI). [future dates].
Cranbrook Music Guild – in Bloomfield Hills. classical/chamber music. subscriptions $100-$150, single tickets $30.
Helpful Tip... if you want to perform at events listed on this page, your best course of action is to visit event websites and contact them directly to get specific details on who is in charge of booking their music entertainment. Event contact info is provided on most event web pages.
WYCD Detroit Downtown Hoedown Hometown Band Submission - Deadline is before middle of April. Local Bands from the Motor City Area are included in this annual 3-day major country music fest in early June.
Sterlingfest Art & Music Fair – Deadline is usually before middle of April. Annual 3-Day event in Sterling Heights (north of Detroit) is held on the last weekend in July.
Dirt Fest – Deadline is usually before middle of June. Annual event held at Birch Run Expo Center (north of Flint) in early August. Lots of bands, 4 stages, MANY different styles of music.
Arts, Beats & Eats – Deadline is usually before March 30th. Annual big-time festival held in Royal Oak (just north of Detroit) features over 200 music performances every Labor Day weekend.
Dally in the Alley – Deadline is usually before end of July. Send press packet with contact information. Annual event held in Detroit in early Sept.
Music Slavin' – Helping To Connect People With Music